“When you been through the sh-t I have, there ain’t no quitting.” During the 2022-23 season, Sammy Sasso effortlessly dominated the mat. Not only did he snag his Big Ten Title in the 149 category, but he also earned his 2022 Michigan State Open with a clean state. It’s safe to say that the Ohio State Wrestler was a force to be reckoned with. However, life has a mysterious way of working, and the 24-year-old’s incredible journey came to a crashing halt in 2023. 

The wrestler looked forward to contesting at the U23 World Championships that same year. But on August 18, he was fatally sh-t during a carjacking incident near the University District. This shunted his climb to being the top contender at 149 pounds. Even though recovery took an incredibly long time, nothing could keep him away from the mat. Determined to make a triumphant comeback, the 24-year-old left no stone unturned. And that time has finally arrived.

Severe nerve damage couldn’t hold Sammy Sasso back

After getting sh-t, the wrestler was found in an alley near the campus. However, given his serious condition, he was taken to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. In fact, Sammy Sasso had to spend 3 days in the hospital before being transferred to an acute care unit for additional care. Yet, a year later, he was back for Ohio State’s first dual of the season at the Covelli Center. But here’s the kicker! He pulled off a 12-6 victory over Chattanooga’s Jackson Hurst, two classes above the one he contested during 2023.

The wrestler had to get the bullet removed, undergoing surgery. However, the bullet lodged itself near his spine, resulting in severe nerve damage. This meant that he would have to learn to walk again. Yet, this didn’t dampen his spirits. After spending 41 days in the hospital, he focused on relearning how to walk. The 24-year-old had to rely on a wheelchair, canes, and other impediments, ultimately keeping him away from the U23 World Wrestling Championship.

Even though he couldn’t contest, the official X handle for Ohio State Wrestling announced that Team USA bestowed him with a prestigious honor. Sammy Sasso was presented with a world championship ring for his contribution to Team USA. But OSU coach Tom Ryan believed that the wrestler wasn’t done with the sport just yet. When the 24-year-old pulled off an immediate takedown in the first period, it felt like he had never left. 

By the end of the first season, he was leading 9-4. Midway through the second season, he chose to begin second. With a reversal, he brought it up to 11-5. After allowing for an escape to begin the third, they rode out the score. However, Jackson Hurst couldn’t catch up. With that, the 4x All-American had won his first match back due to his riding advantage. This win gave the Buckeyes a 23-0 lead. In a post-match interview, the wrestler thanked everyone who supported him throughout his road to recovery. On the other hand, fans were ecstatic about his return. What did they say?

Wrestling fans couldn’t help but gush at the wrestler’s return

Watching Sammy Sasso back on the back, you can’t help but marvel at how incredibly inspiring his arc has been. In fact, even when he was restricted by the near-fatal injury, the 24-year-old never lost hope. Yet, his triumphant victory in the first match back since 2023 was nothing short of a fairytale. Unsurprisingly, several fans see it that way as well.

One fan exclaimed, “Rooting for him this year, hope he makes a strong comeback.” Before his career came to a crashing halt, the wrestler had closed the 2023 NCAA Champions as the runner-up in the 149-pound weight class. Another fan agreed, “Could be a legendary year for Sammy. He’s always been fantastic.” The wrestler had racked up 2 Big Ten Champions and 4 All-American titles before the unfortunate incident last year. 

Given how this was his first match since then, just returning to the mat was a huge win for Sammy Sasso. The injuries he sustained left his future uncertain, but he put in a great effort to get back to a high level. However, he wanted to return only if he could compete at a high level. That’s exactly what he did.

A fan stated, “Saw him at the Midlands. Did not think he would ever wrestle a D1 match again. Amazing.“ The experience definitely changed his life. So, it’s understandable that this fan wasn’t expecting to see him back on the mat. Another fan was just as surprised, “Best moment of the early season. And, it’s not even close.” The 24-year-old had come a long way from being hospitalized to winning his first match after nearly a year. 

Sammy Sasso had to miss the entire 2023-24 season after requiring emergency surgery to reconstruct his colon. Not only did he have to learn to walk after the shooting, but he had to prepare to make the switch to a higher weight class. However, he reiterated how this season would be a movie, and fans clearly couldn’t wait.

One fan made a fun, “Great win for Sasso. He was huffing and puffing at the end of the third. Dare I say he looked……sh-t…” Even though the 24-year-old had been working incredibly hard for his comeback, it was evident that this was his first match. In fact, the wrestler believed that he hadn’t done a good job either. However, he will return to the mat for the second dual of the season to face Edinboro. Will you be watching?